10 Best Watches for Doctors and Physician Assistants
A watch is an important tool for both physicians and physician assistants.
In addition to telling time, many watches perform other functions like tracking sleep patterns and activity levels- something busy medical professionals need to be aware of.
These are 10 of the best watches for physicians and physician assistants.
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Top Picks
- Best for Women:
“looks very professional and isn’t flashy like some other gold watches tend to be” - Best For Men:
“attractive from start to finish” - Best Smartwatch:
“sleek design features an Always-On Retina display” - Best Fitness Tracker:
“takes many of the attractive features of the original Fitbit and puts it into a sleek, lightweight form”
Best Watches for Physicians and Physician Assistants
1. Apple Watch
This has so many handy features, you’ll never want to take it off.
It replaces your phone while you’re at work because it allows you to answer calls and texts right from your wrist.
There are also apps to measure your oxygen level, heart rate, activity level, and more.
You can listen to music and podcasts while on-the-go as well with access to the entire Apple library.
The sleek design features an Always-On Retina display and a watch face that can be customized from several different options.
Pros:
- Answer calls and texts
- Track activity level and more
- Customize watch face
Cons:
- Only works with an iPhone
- Needs frequent charging
- Not all apps work efficiently
Check the price of the on Amazon.com.
2. Timex Expedition
Although it’s not a smart watch, this still has plenty of features to make it a desirable choice for physicians and physician assistants.
The resin strap is super durable and fits wrists up to 8-inches. There are several alarms that can be set, all with an audible alert for the user. There’s also a calendar, 3-time zone options, and the option to switch to military time.
As a medical professional, you wash your hands frequently, and having to remove your watch every time is frustrating.
This watch is also water-resistant and can be worn while washing your hands.
Pros:
- Durable resin strap
- Calendar and alarm options
- Water-resistant for easy handwashing
Cons:
- Only comes in black
- Battery dies quickly
- Difficult to set up
Check the price of the on Amazon.com.
3. Fossil Gen 5 Smartwatch
The versatility of this is truly amazing.
It works with both iPhones and Android phones, so you can answer calls, texts, and sync many other features, no matter which operating system you favor.
The watch band is also interchangeable, so you never have to tire of one particular style.
In addition to its versatility, it also offers several health benefits, which is ideal for health-conscious medical professionals.
It can monitor your heart rate, activity level, sleep pattern, and more.
The Always-On display and personalized watch faces just add to the appeal of this watch.
Pros:
- Works with iPhone and Android
- Health monitoring features
- Always-On display
Cons:
- Needs frequent charging
- Voice quality is subpar
- Some apps are difficult to operate
Check the price of the on Amazon.com.
4. Casio Men’s XL Series G-Shock
Rugged and stylish at the same time, this is suitable for both men and women.
Its neutral black color can be worn with both casual and dressy attire. The durable resin construction is built-to-last, and it’s also water-resistant up to 200 meters.
Aside from looking great and being sturdy, it also offers many great features that medical professionals will love.
It has a bright LED light for using in dark areas, 4 alarms to set, a snooze alarm option, a 10-year battery life, and so much more.
Pros:
- Water-resistant up to 200 meters
- Bright LED light
- 10-year battery life
Cons:
- A bit bulky
- Plastic fastener may break easily
- Difficult to read the time on the digital display
Check the price of the on Amazon.com.
5. Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch
The is truly a smart watch.
It tracks your activity level, sleep patterns, heart rate, and other health factors. As it tracks everything, it also gives you tips on how to improve your overall health and wellness.
It even has an app that monitors your stress levels, as mental health is just as important as physical health.
The battery lasts a long time- up to 5 days on a full charge.
If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone, you can even do a wireless charge between your devices for added convenience.
Pros:
- Tracks several health factors
- Gives advice on improving wellness
- Battery charge lasts up to 5 days
Cons:
- Inaccurate calorie counting
- Voice recognition is touchy
- Can only be charged wirelessly
Check the price of the on Amazon.com.
6. Fitbit Versa Lite
The Fitbit is known for being one of the best smartwatches available, and this takes many of the attractive features of the original Fitbit and puts it into a sleek, lightweight form.
The slim design looks great on any wrist, and it’s also water-resistant up to 50 meters so you don’t have to worry about spills or handwashing destroying your watch.
You can still track important things like your heart rate, activity level, and sleep pattern. If you have a compatible phone, your phone calls, texts, calendar, and more can also be synced.
Pros:
- Slim, lightweight design
- Tracks activity level
- Respond to phone calls and texts
Cons:
- Step count is sometimes inaccurate
- No screen lock feature
- Not a lot of apps
Check the price of the on Amazon.com.
7. Fossil Men’s Stainless Steel Watch
This is attractive from start to finish. A combination of stainless steel and quartz make it both elegant and sturdy.
There’s a 3-hand analog display that allows you to keep track of hours, minutes, and seconds, which is very convenient for medical professionals who need to count things like breaths or heart beats per minute.
The watch face is large and easy-to-read, and the buttons are big enough for even the largest hands to navigate.
It comes in a beautiful gift box if you plan on giving it as a gift.
Pros:
- Sturdy stainless steel construction
- Quartz looks very elegant
- Large watch face
Cons:
- Doesn’t light up
- Complaints of chronograph being faulty
- Difficult to change the date
Check the price of the on Amazon.com.
8. Michael Kors Slim Runway Stainless Steel Watch
The brand Michael Kors is synonymous with luxury, and this is no exception.
The black-on-black watch face and band lends a bit of unexpected glamour to a traditional watch.
The mineral-glass watch face is resistant to scratches so it’ll withstand the typical wear-and-tear that medical professionals run into.
The stainless steel is sturdy, and it’s also water-resistant up to 50 meters. This makes it easy-to-clean after a long shift where you’re taking care of patients.
With a slim profile and a slightly-shiny finish, this week is the perfect mix of practical and luxury.
Pros:
- Scratch-resistant
- Water-resistant
- Easy-to-clean
Cons:
- Band is slightly large
- Complaints of watch band breaking
- Black paint may chip over time
Check the price of the on Amazon.com.
9. Men’s Solar Sport Combination Watch
The job of a physician or physician assistant can be a demanding one, and that calls for a tough watch.
This certainly fits the bill.
It’s made from durable materials, and the watch is solar powered so it saves money on watch batteries.
The watch can stay charged up to 10 months if it’s fully-charged, even without any sunlight exposure. It’s also water-resistant up to 100 meters and features a bright LED light.
You can set up to 5 daily alarms, which is ideal for busy medical professionals.
Pros:
- Solar powered
- Charge lasts approximately 10 months
- Water-resistant
Cons:
- Does not have a third hand to count seconds
- Cannot snooze the alarms
- Difficult to read in the dark
Check the price of the on Amazon.com.
10. Daniel Wellington Petite Melrose Watch
This beautiful provides the understated elegance that only rose gold can.
It looks very professional and isn’t flashy like some other gold watches tend to be. The rose-gold plating is over durable stainless steel, so you can rest assured this watch will last you a long time.
The mesh strap is interchangeable with other straps if you’d like a different look from time to time.
The watch is water-resistant and comes with a convenient lobster-claw clasp for easy fastening. The watch face is in a subtle eggshell color versus a bright white for even more elegance.
Pros:
- Subtle rose gold
- Interchangeable strap
- Lobster-claw closure
Cons:
- Band is small
- Battery doesn’t last long
- Complaints of plating chipping off
Check the price of the on Amazon.com.
Watch Buying Guide for Physicians and Physician Assistants
1. Smart Features
Whether or not you need a smartwatch depends on your own specific needs.
If you are someone who relies heavily on technology, but can’t have your phone on you while you work, then a smartwatch is an excellent option.
Many smartwatches allow you to access the internet and your phone calls and texts right from your wrist.
Other attractive smartwatch features to look for are:
- Heart rate monitoring
- Activity level tracking
- Step counter
- Calorie counter
- Sleep tracking
- Bluetooth capability
- Calendar syncing
- GPS
2. Charging vs. Battery
Some watches contain a regular watch battery, while others are charged via a port or wireless charger.
Most smartwatches are chargeable, while most traditional watches contain a watch battery.
How long a watch can go before needing a replacement battery or to be charged depends on how often you use it and how many features it has.
Some watches are also solar-powered. Solar-powered watches get their energy from the sun, which is very convenient if you are outdoors a lot.
Since most physicians and physician assistants work indoors, a solar-powered watch may not be the most ideal choice.
3. Water-Resistant
Medical professionals have to wash their hands frequently in order to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.
Having to remove your watch every time you wash your hands can get quite annoying, not to mention it opens up the opportunity for the watch to get lost or damaged.
Pay attention to how far the watch says it’s water-resistant up to.
Some watches can go as far as 200 or 300 meters, while others are only as far as 50 meters or less.
While the depth isn’t as important if you’re only wearing the watch while washing your hands, it is important if you plan on swimming with it on.
4. Watch Face Size
A large watch face is ideal for a few reasons. It’s easier to read the time and is also good for those with poor eyesight.
A larger watch face is also better if you have a smartwatch, as it’s easier to navigate the apps and other features.
Use caution when purchasing a watch face that’s very large though as it can become quite cumbersome when working with patients.
It may be difficult to bend your wrist, or it may be easier for it to become damaged when knocked up against something.
5. Seconds Counter
Counting the seconds may not seem important, unless you are a medical professional who needs to keep track of a patient’s breaths or heart rate.
Having a watch that counts the seconds, whether it be with a third hand or on a digital watch face, is crucial to properly track a patient’s vitals.
Some watches may come with a timer or stop watch that will make this task even easier.
Final Thoughts
A reliable watch is a valuable accessory for any physician or physician assistant. A watch that does more than just tell time is even more valuable.
All of these watches have their own unique benefits, so be sure to choose one that fits best into your home and work lifestyle.